Brisbane Lions’ Harris Andrews can’t wait to scratch the footy itch

Like any footy fan around Australia, Brisbane’s vice-captain Harris Andrews is itching for the real action to begin.

Brisbane Lions players Ryan Lester, left, and Harris Andrews have been training together three times a week. Picture: Glenn Hunt

Like any footy fan around Australia, Brisbane’s vice-captain Harris Andrews is itching for the real action to begin.

An All Australian defender last year, Andrews has shown himself to be a rare talent capable of handling the challenges posed by some of the competition’s superstar ­forwards. The past eight weeks without football, though, have been different.

Andrews has focused on studying for his teaching degree, maintaining regular online contact with teammates and training three times a week with teammate Ryan “Froggy” Lester.

But nothing beats playing and watching the real thing. And the good news for the 23-year-old Lion — and by extension the fans of every club — is that footy is not far from being back.

“Bloody oath. It is exciting,” Andrews told The Australian.

“I would classify myself as a bit of a footy head, because I grew up watching it a lot and nothing has really changed in that regard.”

Rival code the NRL has earmarked May 28 as its return date. The AFL has been more cautious, but there is now strong optimism of a start date just after the Queen’s Birthday public holiday next month.

Marquee match-ups are likely to be scheduled for the return round to draw maximum attention for an unusual season that could begin by June 11 if the health outlook for Australia remains positive. This could pit the Swans versus the Giants and Fremantle against West Coast, while Port Adelaide might have a chance to stone the Crows to restart the abridged ­season.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire hopes the Magpies might play Melbourne to highlight Neale Daniher’s annual “freeze” fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease.

The AFL is in the midst of discussions with the federal and state governments and will make an announcement this week as to when the first bounce of Round 2 will occur.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said on Sunday he was determined to isolate the state for as long as possible. This increases the prospect West Coast and Fremantle will have to start the season in a hub, potentially in Queensland. “Our hard borders and our isolation have worked to our advantage and we must keep it that way,” McGowan said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will announce on Monday whether a state of emergency will be lifted, with the AFL awaiting the latest guidance before making its key announcements.

“We are working closely with the state governments, relevant medical authorities and the 18 clubs on finalising the medical and return to play protocols,” an AFL spokesperson said.

There have been some missteps at a time the AFL is attempting to convince governments its medical protocols will be COVID-19 proof.

The Crows are awaiting a penalty from the AFL after players in isolation in the Barossa Valley breached league guidelines regarding training last week.

Clubs have recalled their players from around the country in the belief they could be training as soon as this week.

Richmond premiership player Liam Baker drove across the Nullarbor Plain after returning to Western Australia to spend the shutdown with family.

Western Bulldog Caleb Daniel was able to wish his mum Karen a happy Mother’s Day in Adelaide before jumping in the car with his rottweiler Hugo for the trip home along the Western Highway.

The recent easing of restrictions in Queensland allowed Andrews to enjoy breakfast with his mum Wendy in Brisbane on Sunday in what he believes is a sign that life is starting to return to normal. But as the vice-captain of the Lions, the star defender said those in leadership positions have been in contact with teammates to ensure their families were coping during the closure.

“We have all really tried to stay in contact with each other … and I guess one of the positive things is that it could be really good for the culture we are trying to develop here,” Andrews said.